LAW IS FORCING THE DESTRUCTION AND SHELVING OF PERFECTLY SAFE PRODUCTS – LIBRARIES PULLING CHILDREN’S BOOKS

Washington, Apr 1, 2009 - “Although the intention of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) is good, its implementation has dire, unforeseen consequences that are wreaking havoc and confusion amongst a broad spectrum of industries and small business,” said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Sixth). “This is especially troubling given the current financial crisis and the severe economic strains on American businesses. I am an original cosponsor of H.R. 1815, the Consumer Product Safety Solutions Act, which would allow businesses to sell-through their current inventories and create a temporary compliance scheme for lead content in products that pose no threat to consumers.”

Stearns today attended the “Amend the CPSIA Rally” sponsored by over a dozen business associations and organizations that support correcting the flaws in the law. Due to these flaws, businesses are destroying millions of perfectly safe products, charitable organizations and thrift stores are pulling inventory from their shelves, and youth model ATV and dirt bikes are no longer available. Even libraries face legal liability concerns for loaning children’s books.

“It is unfortunate that the final version of the CPSIA included far too stringent and cumbersome provisions,” explained Stearns. “The unrealistic deadlines for compliance and the retroactive application of new standards make it difficult for businesses to comply. Since this law went into effect in February, I have heard from small businesses, charities, and even public libraries in my district that are suffering under this law. We need to amend the CPSIA so that it continues to protect children and other consumers from unsafe products without permanently damaging a significant number of businesses, industries, and charities.”